HK2016 Day 1

I booked a 3-day Hong Kong and 1-day Shenzen tour package. It includes roundtrip airfare, land transfers, hotel accommodation with breakfast, and compulsory city tours. We're 4 traveling adults + my daughter. The 3 of us paid for an adult rate, the other with a sneak-in rate, and my 1-year old daughter with a cheaper infant rate. Sure, it was a catch.

But then, Shenzhen was cancelled because of the group VISA issues so our travel agency just extended our stay in Hong Kong for another day (that gave way for Ngong Ping 360 tour).

Tip: Save some moolah and avoid hassle by not availing tour packages. Go on a tour on your own (there are maps and helpful travel blogs!) and just arrange for land transfers. You'd get to maximize your time in accordance to your needs.

Day 1: First Mass Transit Railway (MTR) ride and Temple Street Night Market

We arrived in HKG at 7:30 AM as expected, fetched by our coach at around 9 AM, and arrived at Silka Far East Hotel about half past ten. Luckily, our room was already available and the concierge staff was kind enough to let us check in early free of charge. Yay! When we settled in our room, we decided to have lunch at a local diner nearby our hotel.

We all ordered Ramen except for my mom who went for Chicken and rice. They served us free desserts that tasted like mango with a hint of coconut. It was delish!

At around 6 PM, we decided to hop on the MTR to go to Temple Street Night Market. The nearest MTR station, Tsuen Wan, was just 10 to 15-minute walk from our hotel.

Tip: Make sure to get yourselves an Octopus Card valued at HKD150. It gives you discounts with MTR rides and could also be used to pay for most things. In case you don't get to fully consume it, you can refund your remaining value to cash.

We got off at Yau Ma Tei station and walked along Nathan Road. It was actually the fun part 'cause you get to blend in with people. We shopped for souvenirs at Temple Street Night Market. Most vendors gave discounts. Bola-bolahin nyo lang. If they don't want to give any, don't buy from them. You'll find similar items along the street as you go.